Skip to main content

Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing Opioid Overdose: What's Working in the United States

An introduction for public health, law enforcement, local organizations, and others striving to serve their community.

Link to document download: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/59393

Introduction and Overview

Who is this document for? This document is to assist community leaders, local and regional organ...

Guiding Principles

Below are four overarching principles, lessons gleaned from previous public health emergencies, s...

Targeted Naloxone Distribution

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can quickly and safely reverse the potentially fatal effect...

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT is a proven pharmacological treatment for opioid use disorder. The backbone of this treatment...

Academic Detailing

“Detailing” is a structured educational strategy developed by commercial manufacturers of medical...

Eliminating Prior-Authorization Requirements for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

In this scenario, health insurance providers cover the cost of MAT as a standard benefit and all ...

Screening for Fentanyl in Routine Clinical Toxicology Testing

The standard panel of substances included in routine clinical drug screens (carried out in hospit...

911 Good Samaritan Laws

The term "911 Good Samaritan Law" refers to local or state legislation that may provide overdose ...

Naloxone Distribution in Treatment Centers and Criminal Justice Settings

Naloxone distribution programs in criminal justice and treatment facilities (both inpatient  and ...

MAT in Criminal Justice Settings and Upon Release

In this intervention, MAT should be available as a standard of care for incarcerated individuals ...

Syringe Services Programs

Sometimes called "needle exchange" or "syringe exchange," syringe programs provide access to clea...

Initiating Buprenorphine-based MAT in Emergency Departments

Patients receiving care in emergency departments who have untreated opioid use disorder are refer...